Dirk scoring against Manchester United
Right Midfield – Dirk Kuyt
He may not be Lionel Messi, but you always want a player like Dirk Kuyt in a successful team.
Hard-working, committed, versatile and in the right place at the right time, the Dutchman had a knack for scoring important goals at Anfield.
Whilst he never became the rampant finisher he was expected to be when signed in 2006 from Feyenoord, manager Rafael Benitez found a home for him largely on the right-wing, with his fitness and endless energy allowing that side to be protected defensively with an attacking outlet. Right-backs from Steve Finnan to Alvaro Arbeloa to Glen Johnson were always delighted to see Kuyt line up in front of them on the teamsheet.
His ability in the big games made him a Liverpool favourite, such as his goals against Inter Milan, AC Milan, Chelsea and Standard Liege in the Champions League. Yet he popped up in big Premier League games too, netting the winner against Manchester City in 2008, scoring against Everton and against Cardiff City in the 2012 League Cup Final.
However, his hat-trick against Manchester United in 2011 will especially bring back good memories, particularly concerning that it was one of shortest hat-tricks ever in terms of distance!
Overall he scored 71 goals in 286 appearances for the Reds and beat the likes of Danny Murphy and Luis Garcia for his place in the side.
